Training for Newfoundland Moose Hunt

[Hickory1991]

Question for guys that have hunted Moose in Newfoundland. What is the best way to get ready for walking in bogs all day. Also all the moss covered rocks. Son and I have a trip planned for 2026 and I need to start getting ready. Also know it will be in knee high rubber boots. Let’s hear about it.

 

[nanuke22]

I went in 2019 and I am going back also in 2026, I was glad I didn’t bring my rubber boots, I wore my Zamberlands and gators and they worked perfectly. It was more climbing mountains than walking bogs and I also did walk bogs with these boots. They got wet but was able to dry them enough by a small heater every night. I will be bringing a propane boot dryer this time. Good luck with your trip!

 

[duckcarver]

I hunted in Newfoundland this fall. I took Lacrosse AlphaBurly boots and Kenetrek Mtn Extremes with gaiters. I wore the Kenetreks every day and was very happy to have the support and comfort.

Develop a good base level of aerobic fitness and you'll be fine - lunges, step-ups, and treadmill time at 12%.

We had some climbs of 600-900'+ from the lake in the morning, but much of it was a more rolling landscape with intermittent steep hills. Avoid walking through bogs or puddles - step where your guide steps or on light colored grass. Walking through the tuckamore can be really difficult, but we generally used existing game trails, which were much easier than bushwhacking. If you get winded, take a break, then get back to it.

 

[adamkolesar]

Good advice given here. You'll very likely be in much better shape than your Newfie guide. (Mine smoked like a chimney). That said, they'll know the terrain and how to efficiently traverse the tuckamore!

 

[roundegg]

If you’re carrying a pack while you hunt. Any kind of weighted pack training pre-hunt will be super beneficial. The soft stuff wears you out extremely fast. At least it’ll get the back and legs ready even if you won’t be carrying a ton of weight all day hunting. Good luck!

 

[cfdjay]

I'm also training for Moose this fall in Alaska however. I have started Mtn Tough and I have to say I'm pretty impressed. Although I'm not some certified "expert" I have been training my entire lift. Mtn Tough is well structured and functional. There are a myriad of workouts to pick from. I've mapped mine out according my weaknesses and it's moving along splendidly with notable gains in flexibility and mobility (which is what you'll want for unstable ground). I recommend checking them out.

 

[duckcarver]

I'm also a big fan of MtnTough. I have never enjoyed working out, but this programming has made a big difference for my strength, endurance and mobility (and I now look forward to the daily progression). The app makes a ton of great content easily accessible.

Spring sale offers a 30% discount for new subscribers -- https://mtntough.com/

 

[Jt13]

I'd make sure you talk to your outfitter to fully understand how they hunt. Some hunt heavily from roads vs more of a backcountry experience.

I don't think we were more that 1/2 to 3/4 mile from the truck or an ATV at any point in time on my wife's Newfoundland moose hunt. That was after we asked to hunt on foot more or it'd been even closer. I'd wager 80% of the moose get killed within golf ball driving distance from a road or ATV trail.

 

[Hickory1991]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I have talked some with my outfitter and he has so suggested the knee high rubber boots. I assume he plans on getting us wet. I don’t think he hunts to close to roads. One reference I talked to shot his moose after 5 mile walk. Got a ride back on an Argo though. Mt Tough is a good suggestion too. Just not sure if I can make my old body Mt Tough. Thanks for the suggestions so far.

 

[Quandary]

I have hunted Newfoundland twice, fly in both times, no roads etc. Both times I wore LaCrosse Alpha Burly, they were great. Every guide wore some kind of rubber boots. I hunted in the Alaska tundra last fall, it is far tougher than Newfoundland. Now that said your guide will likely adjust were you go based upon your conditioning. In my case the last time there we crossed some wild rivers in our skivvies and slept in the wild because we killed a Moose late. The better shape you are in the better your hunt will be. So be prepared for all possibilities. Run a few times a week, lift weights a few times a week, walk with a loaded pack at least once a week and you'll be fine.

 

[stevevan]

I have hunted Newfoundland twice, fly in both times, no roads etc. Both times I wore LaCrosse Alpha Burly, they were great. Every guide wore some kind of rubber boots. I hunted in the Alaska tundra last fall, it is far tougher than Newfoundland. Now that said your guide will likely adjust were you go based upon your conditioning. In my case the last time there we crossed some wild rivers in our skivvies and slept in the wild because we killed a Moose late. The better shape you are in the better your hunt will be. So be prepared for all possibilities. Run a few times a week, lift weights a few times a week, walk with a loaded pack at least once a week and you'll be fine.

Worst is trying to negotiate through that darn Tuckamore!!! Can't train for that.

 

[Hickory1991]

Worst is trying to negotiate through that darn Tuckamore!!! Can't train for that.

I’ve heard about the tuck more but had to look up what it was exactly. Oh boy that stuff looks like fun.

 

[Ange86]

Going in ‘26 for might first time as well. Sounds like you run the gamut in terrain up there. Tuckamore will be new obstacle for sure.

 

[WMR]

Walking in boggy or soft ground can really overwork the legs. Lifting the legs from such ground calls on muscles that may not be often used. As a geezer myself, the challenge seems greater. Nighttime leg cramps await the unprepared. Such misery is hard to overstate.

I prepare by walking a lot and carrying a pack. Walking in tall grass or soft ground might be best of all. Putting on hip boots and waking around the shallows of a muddy pond is not a crazy idea. Maybe take along a fly rod and catch a few bluegills.

 

[Joseph2186]

Weighted pack I wouldnt go crazy with it but 25 or 30 lbs and do the stair master thats what I did prior to sheep hunt and moose hunt. Nothing will really get you ready for bog walking besides walking in bogs. But will help and you lose about 1/3 of your stride per step go slow and steady and walk where the guide steps.

 

[Hickory1991]

I hunted in Newfoundland this fall. I took Lacrosse AlphaBurly boots and Kenetrek Mtn Extremes with gaiters. I wore the Kenetreks every day and was very happy to have the support and comfort.

Develop a good base level of aerobic fitness and you'll be fine - lunges, step-ups, and treadmill time at 12%.

We had some climbs of 600-900'+ from the lake in the morning, but much of it was a more rolling landscape with intermittent steep hills. Avoid walking through bogs or puddles - step where your guide steps or on light colored grass. Walking through the tuckamore can be really difficult, but we generally used existing game trails, which were much easier than bushwhacking. If you get winded, take a break, then get back to it.

Weighted pack I wouldnt go crazy with it but 25 or 30 lbs and do the stair master thats what I did prior to sheep hunt and moose hunt. Nothing will really get you ready for bog walking besides walking in bogs. But will help and you lose about 1/3 of your stride per step go slow and steady and walk where the guide steps.

Walking in boggy or soft ground can really overwork the legs. Lifting the legs from such ground calls on muscles that may not be often used. As a geezer myself, the challenge seems greater. Nighttime leg cramps await the unprepared. Such misery is hard to overstate.

I prepare by walking a lot and carrying a pack. Walking in tall grass or soft ground might be best of all. Putting on hip boots and waking around the shallows of a muddy pond is not a crazy idea. Maybe take along a fly rod and catch a few bluegills.

Good suggestions here. Will definitely try your ideas. Was at my cabin last weekend and the snow was a foot deep with ice on top. Broke through every step. That was quite the workout. Too bad the snow doesn’t stick around all year.

 

[northernmadman]

if headed out east to the island, start drinking heavily now so you can keep up with some of the locals, although that might not be the training you were talking about